Childminder in WirralOfsted inspection, 29 Jan 2009

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 306072 Inspection date 29/01/2009 Inspector Elaine Murray

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Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 1992. She lives with her husband and two adult children in Newton, West Kirby on the Wirral peninsular. The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight years when working alone, and twelve children when working with an assistant. She employs three assistants on a part time basis. The minded children have use of a split level play room and have access to the dining room, hall and kitchen. There is also an enclosed area of the back garden that children use, for outdoor physical play. The provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the Compulsory and Voluntary Childcare Registers. There are currently eight children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder also cares for children between six and eleven years before and after school. The childminder currently supports a number of children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

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Description of the childminding

She holds a childcare qualification and attends the local parent/toddler group.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is satisfactory. The childminder establishes positive relationships with children and cares for them in a welcoming and inclusive environment. The childminder works appropriately to meet individual needs, and children with additional needs are positively supported. The childminder ensures that children's welfare and learning are suitably promoted. Most required records are in place and kept appropriately. The childminder has begun to evaluate her provision and has a sound understanding of the strengths of her provision and areas for development. She has identified the need to develop her knowledge of early learning goals and assessment procedures.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 develop knowledge and understanding of the six areas of learning and early learning goals in order to more effectively plan and assess children’s progress make systematic observations and assessments of children's learning and use these to plan relevant and motivating learning experiences for each child  ensure that records relating to the administration of medication are retained for a reasonable period of time.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 maintain a record of risk assessment of premises and outings, which is regularly reviewed (Safeguarding and welfare) 12/02/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder makes use of space and resources to provide a bright and welcoming environment in which children can feel secure. The designated playroom has a broad range of equipment and resources. Children learn to develop independence and make choices as they select their own toys and other resources. The childminder and her assistant work appropriately together to share roles in order to meet the needs of the children in their care. The childminder demonstrates a sound awareness of some of the strengths and weaknesses of her provision. She has plans to undertake training to develop her knowledge of the six areas of learning and methods of observing and assessing children's progress. The childminder has addressed the area for improvement identified at the last inspection by attending training relating to the development of learning for children under three years. Since the last inspection she has also attended courses relating

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provision

to safeguarding, food safety and the development of children's physical skills. This has a positive effect on the promotion of children's welfare and learning. Her service is open to all children. Positive attitudes are actively promoted and the childminder and her assistant work appropriately to meet the needs of children with learning disabilities or difficulties. Systems for sharing information with parents and other providers about children's progress help to ensure that children's individual needs are suitably met. The childminder establishes positive relationships with parents, sharing information with them verbally on a daily basis. She also has a regular exchange of information with staff of the pre school which children in her care attend, and extends pre-school experiences and themes for children in her home environment. This helps to ensure a consistent approach to the promotion of children's welfare and learning.

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provision

The childminder has clear polices and procedures which work appropriately to ensure that children's welfare is promoted. The childminder has a sound awareness of safety issues and takes steps to minimise hazards to children in the home and on outings. However, she has not made a record of risk assessment of the premises and different types of outing, as required by the EYFS. The childminder has systems in place to ensure that the required records are appropriately maintained. However, records relating to the administration of medicine are not retained for a reasonable period of time. Children are protected as the childminder has a sound knowledge of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and the procedures to be followed.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a caring approach and develops positive relationships with children. As a result, children are happy and settled in her care. Children benefit from the bright and inviting environment provided. The playroom is arranged into different learning areas. For example, there is an area for role play, creative play, construction play, and a quiet area where children can rest and look at books. There are photographs of children and samples of their art work on display, helping to promote children's security and self-esteem. The childminder provides a range of activities, such as sensory play, role play and construction play. She This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 follows children's interests in learning by planning more rhymes and songs for children with a particular interest in this area. Children's physical skills and enjoyment of fresh air are developed through regular use of the broad range of

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

equipment in the childminder's garden and regular visits to the local park. The childminder interacts well with children to develop their self-esteem and promotes learning appropriately. Children develop language skills and a sense of time as they discuss with the childminder what they did yesterday and what they plan to do this afternoon. When playing with dolls, they are questioned appropriately to think what their doll might need and whether the sheet is too small for the cot. The childminder has a sound understanding of child development. She makes some observations of children's learning which are used to inform their next steps. For example, she observes that a baby who is sitting up is ready to progress towards crawling and takes steps to encourage this development. However, she is not sufficiently familiar with the six areas of learning or the early learning goals. She has not developed a system to make regular observations which are used to

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

inform children's next steps in learning. Although children are provided with a suitable range of activities and outings to enjoy, the activities planned do not always build on what children know and can do, and children's progress in learning is not developed to the full. Children behave well. They respond to the childminder’s positive and consistent approach to promoting good behaviour. The childminder takes care to ensure that all children are included in the activities provided. She promotes a positive attitude to diversity through discussions about children's families and homes. Children also learn about different cultures through activities, such as role play and food tasting relating to Chinese New Year.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are provided with a range of food and drinks including healthy items, such as fruit and fresh vegetables. This helps to promote their good health. Children learn to keep themselves safe. They learn to use the stairs from the lower to the upper part of the playroom safely, and know that they must always shut the gate at the top. They also learn to keep themselves safe as emergency evacuation procedures are practised regularly. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 3 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 3

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 How well are children helped to be healthy? 3 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 3 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 keep and implement a written statement of procedures to be followed for the protection of children, intended to safeguard the children being cared for from abuse or neglect (CR2) 12/02/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration or the last inspection

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Detail of the complaint/s

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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